VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

We know nothing about the Prop A proponent

While your Oct. 10 editorial advocates that our citizenry exercise their responsibility to vote, the Pacific Daily News failed to include Proposal A among items that will be on November's ballot.

And it's no wonder.

There is a total non-campaign for Prop A. The proponent has failed to come out and say who they are, where they're from, and who is behind the proposal. We don't know who Guam Japan Friendship Village is, who or what they are composed of, or whether they are a front for someone/some entity.

We don't know who the two representatives were who came to Guam to file the initiative, and then suddenly vanished from sight. They haven't uttered a word about the proposal since it was filed with Guam Election Commission.

It's understandable that PDN forgot all about Prop A -- everyone else has too.

JACKIE ARRIOLA MARATI

Keep Guam Good-Vote No on Prop A, Tamuning

Mom hurt by how some treat, perceive her son

I am writing this letter because I am the mother of a child with disabilities and have come across some very rude, ignorant, disrespectful people when my son and I are out and about.

My son is a 14 year old student at Southern High School. He was born three months premature and due to his prematurity, he lost his eyesight, is autistic and has the mind of a toddler who is less then 2 years old. For many years, we have struggled to help my son develop basic skills, such as walking, or even saying just one word.

He is now speaking, but very limited. He is a bright individual who learns at his own pace and patience and persistence is the key.

It never ceases to amaze me when we go out and about that my son has to suffer through rude comments or people staring at him, or asking, "What's wrong with him?" There is nothing wrong him, he is just different. We are all different, we all do not look the same, nor do we act the same, yet what most refer to as "normal" get more respect than my son.

When you see us out and about, just say hello to him and introduce yourself. Do not ask me, "What is wrong with him?" or stare at him or, as some have done on occasion, laugh at him.

It hurts my heart very much because he did not ask to be born this way. I for one am grateful because he could have passed away, but instead he was just given a different challenge in life.

For the rest of his life and mine, I will help him with this challenge and I only ask that those who do not understand, it does not mean you have to disrespect or be a "bully" about it.